Conductor Jack Everly. Photo by Michael Tammaro.
“Composer Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) and lyricist Lorenz (Larry) Hart (1895-1943) collaborated on 28 musical shows during the period 1919-1943,” writes Herb Merrick in Tuesday’s (2/28) Maryland Theater Guide. “Upon Hart’s death in 1943, Rodgers formed a new collaboration with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960) and … initiated what has become known as the ‘golden age of musical theater’ … Jack Everly, Principal Pops Conductor of the BSO, and actress-singer Ashley Brown are well-suited for this celebration of ‘Rodgers, Hart, and Hammerstein.’… The program was narrated by both of them … Brown has a lovely, strong voice perfectly suited for this material since she has elements of both classical and popular styles … This concert was Jack Everly’s final performance with the BSO as Principal Pops Conductor but he will be guest conducting with the BSO in the upcoming season. He started as a guest conductor under Marvin Hamlisch in 1982 and was appointed Principal Pops Conductor in 2006. He has planned programs for his audiences ‘with familiar and unfamiliar music that is also exciting and challenging for the orchestra.’ ”
